MXPA00003344A - Walker formed substantially from a polymer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a walker. The walker (10) includes a front frame (12) having opposing lateral ends (14) and which is formed substantially from a polymer. First and second side frames (16) are connected to the front frame (12) at the lateral ends (14) thereof, respectively. Each side frame (16) is formed substantially from a polymer and has fore and aft generally vertical leg portions (32, 34). A first handle (24) is positioned at an upper region of each side frame (16). The side frame (16) can be pivotally mounted to the front frame (12).

Description

WALKING DEVICE SUBSTANCED FROM A POLYMER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved design for an orthopedic walking device and, more particularly, to an improved design that allows the walking device to be formed substantially of a polymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A professional orthopedic walking device (not shown) is typically constructed of 2.54 cm tubing formed of aluminum or other metal material that includes a front portion and side portions extending from the lateral sides of the front portion, such that the user of the walking device stands between the side portions and rests on the handles constructed on the side portions. Each side portion typically has two legs, wherein the legs have non-slip wheels or end caps. Although many improvements have been proposed to such conventional walking devices (eg, a folding walking device, upper and lower handle sets, fixed lights, fixed basket, etc.), the basic design has remained commonly the same. However, it has been observed that such a basic design looks utilitarian and even "medical" and that such appearance reduces the desire of an individual to use a conventional walking device. In addition, it has been observed that such appearance can act as a social barrier causing other people to feel uncomfortable about approaching the user of the walking device. Although it is known that objects such as more "conducive" walking devices can be made simply by adding one or more "auspicious" colors, such addition of colors is limited in the aluminum walking devices. As is also known, a conventional aluminum walking device can be relatively expensive in terms of material and manufacturing costs. In addition, such conventional aluminum walking devices can be relatively heavy. Generally, there is a reduction in material costs, manufacturing costs and weight, when an object of a polymer is constructed rather than a metal, such as aluminum. Furthermore, in the construction of polymer objects, the addition of one or more colors is relatively simple by usually adding pigment to the starting polymer before transformation to the object. However, polymers typically have mechanical, tensile and other less stringent properties than metals, with the result that a polymer version of an object can not perform the same functions as an otherwise identical metal version of the object. As should be evident, then, before the present invention it was not possible to simply replace a conventional aluminum walking device with an otherwise identical polymer walking device. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved design for a walking device, wherein the design of the walking device of an appropriate, relatively less expensive and relatively lighter polymer can be constructed, and where such a walking device is less expensive to walk. manufacture. There is also a need for such a walking device of polymer that is as reliable and solid as a conventional aluminum walking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention is a walking device. The walking device includes a front frame that has opposite lateral ends and that is formed substantially of a polymer. The first and second side frames are connected to the front frame at the lateral ends thereof, respectively. Each side frame is formed substantially of a polymer and has generally vertical front and rear leg portions. A first handle is located in an upper region of each lateral frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The brief description of the preceding invention will be better understood, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, a mode that is presently preferred is shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and the precise means shown. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a walking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the walking device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a left side vertical view of the walking device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the walking device shown in Figure 2 taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Certain terminology may be used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inward" and "outward" refer to the directions towards and from the geometric center, respectively, of the walking device and designated portions thereof. The terminology includes the words mentioned specifically above, derived from them and words of similar meaning. Referring to the drawings in detail, in which similar numbers are used to indicate similar elements throughout the text, a walking device, designated generally with 10, is shown in FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of FIG. the present invention. As seen, the walking device has a front frame 12 with opposite side ends 14 and side frames 16 connected to the front frame 12 at the lateral ends 14, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, each side frame 16 is pivotably pivotable with respect to the front frame 12 about a pivot axis 18 (shown in FIG. 3) generally vertical, coextensive with the respective side end 14, as described with more detail later in the present. Each side frame 16 has the generally upright front and rear leg portions 20, 22, respectively. A first handle 24 is located in an upper region of each side frame 16. It should be understood that the side frame shown in Figure 3 is a symmetrical image of the side frame 16 on the opposite side of the walking device 10. Although in the preferred embodiment it is preferred that the side frames 16 are rotatable pivotally with respect to the front frame 12, those skilled in the art understood by this disclosure of the present invention are not limited to pivotally mounting the side frames 16 to pivots on the front frame. 12. That is, the side frames 16 could be fixed in position with respect to the front frame 12, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, each of the front frame 12 and the side frames 16 is formed substantially of a polymer. Although not required, it is also preferred that about 5-10% of the volume of the polymer be filled with glass fibers, to further increase the structural integrity of the walking device 10. The present invention is not limited to the use of any polymer or particular fiberglass. The polymer must have the necessary characteristics such that, when formed as shown in Figures 1-4, the walking device 10 can be used for its intended purpose without failure. Examples of polymers that meet these criteria include polypropylene manufactured by Sundance Producs, Inc. of Gainesville, Georgia, as a product code number SP200-6B; the polypropylene copolymer sold under the Pro-Fax factory name SB-823 by the General Polymers division of Ashland Chemical of Atlanta, Georgia; and AP 7310 polypropylene sold by Policom Hunstman of Washington, Pennsylvania. Preferably, each of the front frame 12 and the side frames 16 is formed of the polymer substantially with a unitary body. Accordingly, each of the front frame 12 and side frames 16 can be formed substantially as a piece in a single mold single process by the injection molding of structural foam or the like. Of course, one skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that other means may be employed to form the aforesaid framework elements, such as direct injection molding, blow molding or thermoforming, without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the aforementioned frame elements need not be formed entirely as a unitary body. For example, and as seen in Figure 2, one of the side frames 16 can include the net or mesh 26 to form a small bag in the side frame 16. As best seen in Figure 2, the portions of front and rear legs 20, 22 of each side frame 16 are the upper front and rear leg portions 20, 22 and the walking device 10 also has the lower leg portions, generally vertical, front and rear 28, 30. As such, the front and rear upper or lower leg portions, 20, 22, 28, 30, respectively, combine to form the front and rear legs 32, 34, as seen in Figure 3. As shown, the legs front and rear 32, 34 are adjustable, by adjusting the lower front and rear leg portions 28, 30 with respect to the front and rear upper leg portions. Preferably, the front and rear upper leg portions 20, 22 of each side frame 16 are generally tubular and the front and rear lower leg portions 28, 30 extend downwardly from within the respective upper tubular leg portions 20, 22 Also preferably, threaded locking collar / pin type devices are provided, suitable for securing each pair 32, 34 at the suggested height. The present invention is not limited to any particular locking device and a broader description of the locking devices is omitted for purposes of brevity and convenience only, since such locking devices are well understood by those skilled in the art. Although it is preferred that the front and rear legs 32, 34 are adjustable in height, one skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the height of each leg 32, 34 can be set without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Indeed, it may be desired to produce several different models of a walking device 10 with the fixed height of the legs, rather than providing the aforementioned adjustable legs. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to constructing the front and rear legs 32, 34 substantially of a polymer. For example, the front lower and rear leg portions 28, 30 could be constructed of aluminum tubing, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. As seen, each leg 32, 34 includes an anti-slip end cap 36. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that wheels or other devices (not shown) can replace some or all of the end caps 36 if deviated from spirit and scope of the present invention.

Since, in a conventional aluminum walking device, aluminum is a relatively strong material, little need or consideration is needed to emphasize the factors, stress resistance, weight and load bearing and other structural engineering issues. Simply put, it can be assumed that the typical 2.54 cm aluminum tubing will provide appropriate structural support for most typical users of walking devices. Polymers, on the other hand, are not typically relatively strong materials compared to aluminum and therefore the structural engineering factors mentioned above become much more important. However, since polymers can be formed in a multitude of configurations, the walking device 10 of the present invention has been provided with a geometrical configuration that can effectively withstand the imposed loads, even after being exposed to environmental conditions ( that is, temperature, ultraviolet degradation, sand / dirt, bacteria, etc.) that can degrade the polymer. In the walking device 10 of the present invention, it has been found that the heaviest stresses occur in the pivot axes 18 or where the side frames 16 meet the front frame 12 at the respective side ends 14 thereof. Accordingly, it is preferable that each side frame 16 has a relatively strong pivot portion 38 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3) on the front side corresponding to the front portion 32, wherein the position of the pivot or front 38 is generally coextensive with the pivot axis 18 and extending from the first vertical height H1 above the main portion of the front frame 12 to a second vertical height H2 below a main portion of the front frame 12, as shown in the figure 3. As seen, each upper leg portion 20, 22 extends downward from about the second vertical height H2 to a third vertical height H3. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it is seen that the front frame 12 preferably has the upper and lower generally horizontal cross bars 40, 42 spaced apart at a generally vertical distance predetermined apart from each other, and wherein each transverse bar 40 , 42 extends between the opposite lateral ends 14 of the front frame 12. The cross bars 40, 42 are generally linear in the center with generally arcuate terminal ends. The terminal ends of the crossbars 40, 42 include holes that extend generally vertically which rotatably receive a complementary hollow pin 41. The pin 41 also extends through a complementary hole in the pivot portion 38 both in the cross bars 40, 42 and below the lower cross bar 42. An interstice 39 is provided in the pivot portion 38 for receiving the terminal ends of the crossbars 40, 42. The pin 41 allows the side frames 16 to pivot with respect to the front frame 12. The present invention is not limited to build the pin 41 of some particular material. The pin 41 of the same polymer as that used to build the balance of the walking device 10 could be constructed or could be constructed of a high strength and low weight material, such as aluminum. It is also understood by those skilled in the art by this disclosure that pin 41 could be solid (not shown) instead of hollow. The advantage of the hollow pin 41 is that a removable cap 43 can be releasably placed on top of the pivot portion 38 in alignment with the pin 41. When the cap 43 is removed, several articles can be mounted on the pin 41, such as an umbrella and an intravenous tube support rod (not shown). In the preferred mode, the front frame 12 has at least one generally vertical post 44 interconnecting the upper and lower cross bars 40, 42. As seen in figure 1, three posts 44 are actually provided, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that they can provide other numbers of posts without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Preferably, the first vertical height H1 is just above the upper transverse bar 40 and the second vertical height H2 is just below the lower transverse bar 42. In the use of the walking device 10, the greatest load occurs when the user of the device for walking, it moves the walking device 10 forward and supports the walking device 10 on the rear legs 34 while at the same time supporting itself on the first handholds 24. Accordingly, such a load is preferably transferred from the pivot portion 38 below to the rear legs 34 by means of a main support 46 extending generally diagonally from the pivot portion 38 on the front side to the upper rear leg portion 22 on the rear side of the side frame 16. As seen from the best way in Figures 3 and 4, the main support 46 on the front side (corresponding to the front leg 32) extends approximately the first vertical height H1 at the second vertical height H2. According to this, the main support 46 is preferably joined directly to the pivot portion 38 substantially along the entire vertical height of the pivot portion 38. As seen also, the main support 46 on the rear side of the side frame 16 (corresponding to the rear leg 34) extends upwards from approximately the third vertical height H3. Generally, the main support 46 has an upper side 48 and a lower side 50 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) converging towards each other in the direction of the rear legs 34, although a rear portion of the side is seen upper 48 is interrupted by a second handle 52 placed on top of it. The main support 46 is generally U-shaped in cross section with the open end of the "U" facing inwardly and toward the other side structure 16. The legs of the U-shaped main support 26 include the fastening bolts 53 for receiving the normal fasteners 55 (ie, self-tapping screws) for attaching the mesh 26 to the frame of the side 16, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. More specifically, it is seen that the second handle 42 includes a segment upper 54 of the upper rear leg portion 22 as a rear post and a fist 56 generally horizontal approximately to the second vertical height H2 extending between the rear post 54 and the upper side 48 of the main support 46. According to this, the second handle 52 defines a grip opening 58 that extends to main holder 46. As it should be understood now, when a user of the walking device grasps the fist 56 of the second handle, for example, to get up from the chair, the load exerted by the user of the walking device on the cuff 56 is transferred through the upper segment 54 of the upper rear leg portion 22 and through the main support 46 to the front leg 32. Of course, one skilled in the art will appreciate that equivalent structural schemes can be employed for the second handle 52 without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the side frame 16 has a first strut 58 that extends generally diagonally from a midpoint on the underside 50 of the main support 46 to the upper front leg portion 20 approximately to the third. vertical height H3. The first strut 58 is generally T-shaped in cross section, the lower portion of which is oriented towards the floor (not shown) and extends generally along the first line 60. The main support 46 further has a first rib 62 extending from the lower side 50 to the upper side 48 generally at along the first line 60. The first rib 62 and the first strut 58 provide the walking device 10 with structural integrity. Although it is preferred that the first strut 58 is generally T-shaped in cross section, those skilled in the art understand that the first strut 58 could have other configurations, such as generally I-shaped cross-sectional. Referring now to Figures 1, 3 and 4, each side frame 16 further includes a second strut 64 that extends generally vertically from a midpoint on the upper side 48 of the main support 46 to one end 64a thereof approximately at the first vertical height H1. The second strut 64 is preferably generally T-shaped in cross section. A third strut 66 extends generally horizontally from the upper side 48 of the main support 46 approximately to the first vertical height H1 to the end 64a of the second strut 64 approximately to the first vertical height H1. The first handle 24 is located above a rear portion of the third strut 66, the first handle 24 includes generally vertical front and rear poles 68, 70 and a generally horizontal fist 72 located above the rear front poles 68, 70. Each side frame 16 further has a fourth strut 74 extending generally arcuately and diagonally from the upper side 48 of the main support 46 approximately to the first vertical height H1 to the front post 68 of the first handle 24 adjacent to the grip 72 of the first handle 24. Referring now to Figure 4, the third strut 66 and the upper corner of the main support 46 include a hollow area that houses a locking mechanism, generally designated 76, for locking the side frames 16 in the open position. A latch release button 78 is provided at the base of the first handles 24 to release the locking mechanism 76 to allow the side frames 16 to pivot to the closed portion (not shown). The locking mechanism 76 does not belong to the present invention. In addition, such locking mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a detailed description of the locking mechanism 76 is omitted for purposes of brevity and convenience only and is not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments set forth, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A walking device comprising: a front frame having opposite lateral ends and being substantially formed of a polymer; and first and second frames connected to the front frame at the lateral ends thereof, respectively, each side frame being pivotable on pivot with respect to the front frame around the generally vertical pivot axis, generally coextensive with the respective side end, being each side frame being formed substantially of a polymer and having generally upright front and rear leg portions and a first handle located in an upper region of each side frame.

2. The walking device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the upper front and rear leg portions of each side frame are portions of upper front and rear legs, the walking device further comprising generally lower bottom leg portions. front and rear, the upper and lower front and rear leg portions respectively being combined to form the front and rear legs.

3. The walking device according to claim 2, further characterized in that each side frame has front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear legs, respectively, each side frame also having: a pivot portion on the front side, the pivot portion being generally coextensive with the pivot axis and extending from the first vertical height above the main portion of the front frame to a second vertical aperture below the main portion of the front frame, each leg portion extending downwardly approximately from the second vertical opening to a third vertical opening; and a main support extending generally diagonally from a pivot portion on the front side to the upper rear leg portion on the rear side, the main support extending approximately from the first vertical height to the second vertical height on the front side and extending upwards from approximately the third vertical height on the rear side, the main support having an upper side and a lower side.

4. The walking device according to claim 3, further characterized in that the front frame has: transverse bars generally upper and lower horizontal spaced a generally vertical distance predetermined apart from each other and extending between the opposite lateral ends of the front frame; and at least one generally vertical pole interconnecting the upper and lower crossbars; and wherein the first vertical opening is above the upper transverse bar and the second vertical height is below the lower transverse bar.

5. The walking device according to claim 3, further characterized in that each side frame also has a first strut extending generally diagonally from a midpoint on the underside of the main support to the upper front leg portion. at the third vertical height.

6. The walking device according to claim 5, further characterized in that the first strut extends generally along a first line and because the main support also has a first rib extending from the lower side to the upper side generally along the first line.

7. The walking device according to claim 3, further characterized in that each side frame also has: a second strut that extends generally vertically from a midpoint on the upper side of the main support to one end thereof approximately the first vertical height; and a third strut extending generally horizontally from the upper side of the main support approximately at the first vertical height to the end of the second strut at approximately the first vertical height; wherein the first handle is located above a rear portion of a third strut, the first handrail including generally vertical front and rear poles and a generally horizontal handle located above the front and rear poles. 8.- The walking device in accordance with the claim 7, further characterized in that each side frame also has a fourth strut extending generally diagonally from the upper side of the main support approximately to the first vertical height to the front post of the first handle adjacent to the grip of the first handle. 9. The walking device according to claim 3, further characterized in that each side frame further has a second handle located above a rear portion of the upper side of the main support, the second handle including an upper segment of the leg portion. upper rear as a rear post and a generally horizontal grip approximately at the second vertical height that extends between the rear post and the upper side of the main support. 10. The walking device according to claim 9, further characterized in that the second handle defines a grip opening extending to the main support. 11. The walking device according to claim 2, further characterized in that the upper front and rear leg frames of each side frame are tubular and that the lower front and rear leg portions extend down from within the respective ones. upper tubular leg portions. 12. The walking device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the front frame is formed substantially as a unitary body. 13.- The walking device in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that each side frame is substantially formed as a unitary body. 14. A walking device comprising: a front frame having opposite lateral ends and being substantially formed of a polymer; and first and second side frames connected to the front frame at the lateral ends thereof, respectively, each side frame being formed substantially of a polymer and having generally vertical front and rear leg portions and a first handle located in an upper region of each side frame. 15. The walking device according to claim 14, further characterized in that the rear and front leg portions of each side frame are upper front and rear leg portions, the walking device further comprising lower leg portions generally vertical front and rear, the front and rear upper and lower leg portions respectively being combined to form the front and rear legs. 16. The walking device according to claim 15, further characterized in that each side frame has front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear legs, respectively, each side frame also having: a front portion on the front side that is extends to a first vertical height above a main portion of the front frame at a second vertical height below the main portion of the front frame, each upper leg portion extending downward approximately from a second vertical height to a third vertical height; a main support extending generally diagonally from the front portion on the front side to the upper rear leg portion on the rear side, the main support extending approximately from the first vertical height to the second vertical height on the front side extending upwards from approximately the third vertical height on the rear side, the main support having an upper side and a lower side. 17.- The walking device in accordance with the claim 16, further characterized in that the front frame has: upper and lower horizontal generally transverse bars spaced at a predetermined generally vertical distance apart from one another and extending between the opposite lateral ends of the front frame; and at least one generally vertical pole interconnecting the upper and lower crossbars; and wherein the first vertical height is above the upper transverse bar and the second vertical height is below the lower transverse bar. 1

8. The walking device according to claim 16, further characterized in that each side frame also has a first strut extending generally diagonally from a midpoint on the underside of the main support to the upper front leg portion approximately at the third vertical height. 1

9. The walking device according to claim 18, further characterized in that the first strut extends generally along a first line and because the main support also has a first rib extending from the lower side to the upper side generally along the first line. 20. The walking device according to claim 16, further characterized in that each side frame also has: a second strut that extends generally vertically from a midpoint on the upper side of the main support to one end of it approximately a the first vertical height; and a third strut extends generally horizontally from the upper side of the main support approximately at the first vertical height to the end of the second strut approximately at the first vertical height; wherein the first handle is located above a rear portion of the third strut, the first handle including generally vertical front and rear poles and a generally horizontal handle located above the front and rear poles. 21. The walking device according to claim 20, further characterized in that each side frame also has a fourth strut extending generally diagonally from the upper side of the main support approximately to the first vertical height to the front post of the first handle adjacent to the handle of the first handle. 22. The walking device according to claim 16, further characterized in that each side frame also has a second handle located above a rear portion of the upper side of the main support, a second handle including an upper segment of the leg portion. upper rear as a top post and a generally horizontal grip approximately at the second vertical height extending between the rear post and the upper side of the main support. 23. The walking device according to claim 22, further characterized in that the second handle defines a grip opening extending to the main support. 24.- The walking device in accordance with the claim 15, further characterized in that the upper front and rear leg portions of each side frame are tubular and in that the lower front and rear leg portions extend downwardly from within the respective upper tubular leg portions. 25. The walking device according to claim 14, further characterized in that the front frame is substantially formed as a unitary body.